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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize active noise cancellation and customizable sound through an app, the Soundcore Life P3 would be a great value for your money, as they provide these features along with good sound quality, especially for a lower price. While the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) do not have active noise cancellation, they offer seamless integration with Apple devices coupled with a somewhat more robust build quality and slightly better sound. However, if you have a tighter budget and want the noise-canceling and app-based customization option, the Soundcore Life P3 could be the better choice. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life P3
- Very good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.1
5.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Soundcore Life P3 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life P3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
5.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life P3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Soundcore Life P3 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life P3 has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Soundcore Life P3 costs $50.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Soundcore Life P3 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Soundcore Life P3 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Life P3 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Soundcore Life P3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Soundcore Life P3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 35 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Soundcore Life P3
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Alex Bracetti | July 2021
"Anker continues its trend of stealth releases, recently dropping the Soundcore Life P3 out of nowhere. This product essentially replaces the disappointing Life A2 NC as the brand’s flagship ANC model under $100. It comes with bassy audio and enough features to give even the best noise-cancelling earbuds pause."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Soundcore Life P3
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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